THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ

Press Release Article

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has established a charitable fund to assist the victims of the vicious terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The World Trade Center Port Authority Memorial Fund will provide financial assistance to WTC victims and their families. For information about donating, please call (800) 395-1573.

The El Paso Corporate Foundation, the philanthropic unit of El Paso Corporation, has announced that it will contribute $1 million to the new charity. In addition, El Paso will also match dollar-for-dollar donations by its own employees to qualified funds. El Paso Corporation, which has natural gas and power operations worldwide, is a Houston-based energy company committed to meeting energy needs throughout the world.

Susquehanna International Group, LLP, has also announced that it will help initiate the fund by contributing $1 million. Susquehanna International Group, LLP, is one of the nation’s leading liquidity providers in equity, fixed income and derivative securities.Port Authority Chairman Lewis M. Eisenberg said, “Since the first hours after the terrorist attacks, we have been deeply moved by the extraordinary acts of heroism and dedication by Port Authority staff. Many of the 74 Port Authority employees lost or unaccounted for in the disaster, police and civilian personnel alike, selflessly stayed behind as they attempted to help others evacuate the buildings. This new fund will help in some small measure to ease the burdens on the survivors, both those from the Port Authority and the thousands of others who perished in this unspeakable act of violence.”

Port Authority Acting Executive Director Ronald Shiftan said, “Offers of help have been pouring in from around the world. On behalf of Port Authority staff, I would like to express our profound gratitude for those who have offered condolences and prayers. The Port Authority is grieving, but we are focused on restoring the region’s transportation network and carrying out future improvements. As our police and civilian employees work around the clock, their resolve is strengthened by the expressions of public support the agency is receiving.”

William A. Wise, chief executive officer of El Paso Corporation, said, “El Paso is honored to support the Port Authority by helping to launch the World Trade Center Port Authority Memorial Fund. Port Authority employees based at the World Trade Center were among the first to respond to the tragedy in New York City. These employees worked side-by-side with New York City emergency personnel, and many gave their lives in an effort to save others. We hope that the establishment of this fund will in some small way provide relief for the victims’ families, and we encourage other companies to join us in building it. I would like to thank Governor Pataki of New York, Acting Governor DiFrancesco of New Jersey, and New York City Mayor Giuliani for their guidance in helping us determine where our contributions would be most useful.”

Jeffrey S. Yass, Managing Director of Susquehanna International Group, said, “We are proud to support the Port Authority by being at the forefront of The World Trade Center Port Authority Memorial Fund that will assist all World Trade Center victims and their families. Having a financial services business in lower Manhattan whose employees were at risk, we have been inspired by the bravery and courage demonstrated by the Port Authority employees and commend their heroic efforts.”

In addition to the new Port Authority fund, several other funds to aid victims and their families have been established:

· The Neil D. Levin Education Foundation, which will earmark donations to help families pay for the education of the children of victims. The fund was established by the family of Mr. Levin. Contributions may be sent to the foundation at 101 Park Ave., Suite 2500, New York, N.Y. 10178. Further information may be found at www.neillevin.com.

· The Port Authority Police World Trade Disaster Survivors’ Fund has been established by the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association. Donations will be used to provide financial help to all the families of members of the Port Authority Police affected by the disaster. Donations may be sent to the Fund c/o Port Authority PBA, Inc., 611 Palisade Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 07632. Call 201 871-2100 or 212 947-3754 for more information.

· The Twin Towers Fund, established by the City of New York to assist the families of NYC police, firefighters, Port Authority Police and rescue workers. Donations may be sent to the Fund at P.O. Box 26999, General Post Office, New York, N.Y. 10087-6999, or call 877 870-4278. Contributions may also be made online by visiting http://twintowersfund.vista.com.

· The New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, established by the State of New York. Its purpose is to assist the families and dependents of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, including innocent civilians, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and relief workers. Donations may be sent to New York State WTC Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5028, Albany, N.Y. 12205 or call 800 801-8092, or donate online at www.helping.org.

Many other relief organizations have been established to assist the victims and their families. For more information, please consult www.libertyunites.org.